An informal group within a political party that wields influence with which it manipulates what happens in the party is known as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for a term describing an informal group within a political party that uses its influence to shape or control what happens in the party.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Branch: a formal local unit of a party, such as a ward or local government chapter. It is not informal.
• Cell: a small, organized unit, often used in communist or revolutionary parties. It is structured, not an informal influence group.
• Caucus: a group of party members, often influential leaders or like-minded members, who meet privately to decide policy, strategy, or candidates. They often sway party decisions from within.
• Pressure group: an organization outside government and party structures that tries to influence government policy (e.g., NLC, NBA). It is not a group within a party.
• Militia: an armed group, which is not relevant here.

Step 3: Match the definition The description "within a political party" and "wields influence to manipulate what happens in the party" fits a caucus. In Nigerian politics you may hear of a "party caucus" or the "caucus of party leaders" that makes key decisions behind the scenes.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. caucus.

Tip: Remember the difference by location:

• Caucus = inside the party.
• Pressure group = outside the party, pushing government.

If the question says "within a party," think caucus.